This will be the first time I am going to change the front brake pads on a 2001 LS, and I wanted to know what tools I will be needing. Later on I will be doing the back brakes are they similar to the front, thank you.
What tools needed for changing brake pads
- Thread starter phantom3
- Start date
C-Clap or piston compression tool... either one. And some basic hand tools; nothing too complex.
I don't recall if the bolts are standard hex head bolts or allen key bolts. I'm leaning toward standard hex head if my memory serves me right. All metric.
So, if I am correct; Metric sockets and combination (open/box ends) wrenches.
If you're doing the rears, it's advisable you get a tool; for about $15-$20 napa will sell you a metal disc that goes on the end of a 3/8" drive ratchet. This is all you need; they sell the ones that apply pressure for you as you turn it, but a monkey could press down on the ratchet as he turns. And remember, on the back pads there are nipples that index into the piston; two, they fit into the triangle cut outs on the piston that the tool fits into. Easy stuff.
And last but not least, it's not a bad idea to throw some brake anti-squeal on the pads... might not need it, but if you do then you'd have to take it all apart again; who wants to do that? There's some good stuff that comes in a clear bottle with a dispenser tip and the compound is pink/red. Just clean up the caliper and piston, spread a medium coating on the BACK of the pad, put the pads into the caliper, caliper on the car and you're set.
Good luck!
I don't recall if the bolts are standard hex head bolts or allen key bolts. I'm leaning toward standard hex head if my memory serves me right. All metric.
So, if I am correct; Metric sockets and combination (open/box ends) wrenches.
If you're doing the rears, it's advisable you get a tool; for about $15-$20 napa will sell you a metal disc that goes on the end of a 3/8" drive ratchet. This is all you need; they sell the ones that apply pressure for you as you turn it, but a monkey could press down on the ratchet as he turns. And remember, on the back pads there are nipples that index into the piston; two, they fit into the triangle cut outs on the piston that the tool fits into. Easy stuff.
And last but not least, it's not a bad idea to throw some brake anti-squeal on the pads... might not need it, but if you do then you'd have to take it all apart again; who wants to do that? There's some good stuff that comes in a clear bottle with a dispenser tip and the compound is pink/red. Just clean up the caliper and piston, spread a medium coating on the BACK of the pad, put the pads into the caliper, caliper on the car and you're set.
Good luck!
They're regular hex-head bolts; IIRC, they're 11mm or 12mm (it has been quite some time since I did the brakes on my LS). A ratcheting wrench is handy for spinning the bolts out and back in; IIRC, on one of the bolts, the quarters are a bit tight for a ratchet.
Definitely make sure you have the anti-squeal shims, even if you have to keep the ones from the previous pads. Put some CRC Disc Brake Quiet between the shim and the pad backing, and you should be good to go.
Definitely make sure you have the anti-squeal shims, even if you have to keep the ones from the previous pads. Put some CRC Disc Brake Quiet between the shim and the pad backing, and you should be good to go.
